Solids Handling Operator Apprentice - HWTP- 26-113

Charleston Water System; North Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 46,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston Water System is seeking a Solids Handling Operator Apprentice at the Hanahan Water Treatment Plant. Under limited supervision, you will monitor residuals processing, operate the solids handling equipment, and coordinate with maintenance to ensure reliable operation.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED, willingness to obtain SC licenses within defined timelines, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• SCADA and Windows-based software experience helpful.
• Willingness to obtain SC licenses within set timelines.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the solids handling plant and related equipment.
• Monitor residuals treatment, disposal, and NPDES compliance.
• Maintain WIMS log and coordinate with maintenance.
• Assist with process control operations during shortages.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication

OSHA training

Safety mindset

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

SCADA systems

Windows-based software

Job description

Job Description

Solids Handling Operator Apprentice

Job Announcement No: 26-113

Vacant Position(s): 1

Department: Hanahan Water Treatment Plant

Applications Accepted through: Sunday, September 6, 2026

Salary Range: $45,760.00 ($22.00/hr.) - $68,640.00 ($33.00/hr.)

Hiring Range: $45,760.00 ($22.00/hr.) - $57,200.00 ($27.50/hr.)

Grade: 105

Hours: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Position Summary

Under limited supervision, is responsible for optimized residuals control, process, logistics and minor procurement responsibilities. Directly involved in all aspects of plant operation and maintenance that impacts residuals (solids) production and processing. Monitors condition of all solids related equipment and coordinates with maintenance planner to ensure that critical components are functional at all times. Ensures critical chemicals are available and ensures NPDES compliance parameters are met (HWTP)

Essential Functions

• Responsible for residuals treatment and disposal including sludge hauling and tipping at a designated landfill.
• Responsible for maintaining WIMS log.
• Responsible for tracking all drying activities and reporting monthly on savings/issues.
• Responsible for vehicle inspection and logs, DOT paperwork, routine preventative maintenance and coordinating with Vehicle Shop for major maintenance.
• Operates and maintains the solids handling plant, including decant tanks, gravity thickeners, NPDES, pump stations, chemical systems, storage tanks, mechanical dewatering equipment, transportation equipment, and all ancillary equipment.
• Communicates with Process Control and Maintenance supervisors to coordinate sedimentation basin draining/cleaning activities for residuals processing.
• Coordinates corrective maintenance activities on residuals plant equipment with maintenance using computerized maintenance management system.
• Ensures NPDES compliance.
• Will be required to support process control operations during personnel shortages/emergencies
• Create and update pertinent standard operating instructions as necessary.
• Orders chemicals as needed.
• Responsible for compliance with all pertinent regulations associated with solids processing and disposal.
• May be required to work during emergency conditions.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
• Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.

Additional Duties

• Required to participate in intra/inter departmental cross training.
• Administrative duties include the preparation of reports and logs documenting operations activities, maintenance activities, daily timesheets, standard operating instructions, and data for the preparation of annual and periodic reports, including but not limited to land application report and EPA solids disposal certification.
• Provide emergency response support for treatment and solids processing problems.
• May be required to work 12-hour shifts (day and/or night to include weekends) in emergencies or to cover for vacation/sickness
• Perform other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Frequently positions self to use up to 50 lbs of force to move objects. Ability to reach and pull as necessary to perform tasks associated with securing watertight trailer tailgate with turnbuckles.
• Must be able to perform tasks associated with connecting/disconnecting tractors and trailers.
• Must be able to make visual observations of load conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, verbally and with a 2-way radio, to include comprehension of complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral and written communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making adjustments to equipment.
• Ability to convey detailed instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, and quickly.
• Ability to make visual observations of all basins and equipment, obtain instrument readings, collect samples and field test readings from numerous sample points.
• Must be able to maneuver large valve operator wheels and chain mechanisms.
• Ability to lift, carry and/or pour 50 pound bags of dry chemicals from a height of four feet from the floor.
• Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, drag, haul, or tug objects in a sustained motion. On occasion this can require greater than 50 lbs of force. Objects greater than 50 lbs require a two-person operation.
• Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
• Routinely ascend/descend ladders, stairs and ramps as high as three (3) stories at Hanahan. Ability to work at elevated height levels as needed to perform various tasks.
• Constantly positions self to move, traverse for long distances as necessary to perform required work. Must be able to move about extensively to make inspections of treatment plant with varied topography and features.
• Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions of one or more of the following that affect the respiratory system or skin: Fumes (paint), odors, dust, gases, etc. Personnel Protective Equipment Required.
• Workers may be required to wear a respirator and/or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Required to work with chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Ability to navigate restricted spaces such as chemical pits, spiral stairwell, etc as needed to perform required job functions.
• Ability to read and comprehend technical reports, plans, and specifications. Ability to write technical reports.
• Ability to exchange ideas by means of written and spoken words.
• Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation requires that people operating an environmental treatment facility obtain operator's licenses from the Environmental Certification Board.

Specific CWS schedule for attaining certification licenses is as follows:

• Solids Handling Operator Apprentice; must possess or have the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of employment the SC "D" Water or "D" Biological Wastewater License
• Solids Handling Operator I; must possess within twelve (24) months of employment the SC "C" Water or "C" Biological Wastewater License
• Solids Handling Operator II; must possess within twelve (36) months of employment the SC "B" Water or "B" Biological Wastewater License
• Solids Handling Operator III; must possess the SC "A" Water or "A" Biological Wastewater License
• Solids Handling Journeyman Operator; must possess the SC "A" Water or "A" Biological Wastewater License and complete all applicable Journeyman Requirements
• Computer skills with emphasis on SCADA systems and Windows-based software.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Valid South Carolina Driver’s license required.
• Commercial Driver’s License Class A (CDL) required for sludge hauling and tipping within twelve months of hire.
• Failure to obtain CDL Class A or pass exams within timeframes specified may result in termination.

Training Needs

• OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
• Skills Based Training.
• Standard Operating Instruction (SOI) per department requirements.
• ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

Potential Career Path

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

• Operations Shift Supervisor
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Process Control Support Supervisor